Sears Houses: This article series provides detailed photographic and historic clues to assist in the identification of Sears Catalog or Kit homes and including references to other expert books and resources on Sears Homes.

We describe and provide photographs of Sears Catalog homes, using examples of these homes located in the Hudson Valley of New York.

This article provides examples of clues useful in identifying Sears Catalog Kit Homes. We also edit Sears Kit House identification checklists and comment and books on Sears Homes by Rosemary Thornton.

How to Identify Sears Kit Houses

These questions and answers about how to identify Sears catalog homes or other kit homes were posted originally at SEARS KIT HOME IDENTIFICATION - please see the kit house identification guide given there.

On 2022-09-16 by InspectApedia (mod)

@Judy Gehrlich,

The best starting place is to read through the article above on this page.

On 2022-09-16 by Judy Gehrlich

Hi Wizards, I'm in search of the floor plan that goes with this old house that we believe is an old Sears Kit house. Any help is appreciated!

On 2022-04-23 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator - previous owner's provenance gives credence to history of Elsmore house

@Karen Marsh,

Thank you for this set of photos of your lovely home.

The clues you already have seem to indicate that it may very well be the Elsmore model - age, interior and exterior designs, and 'provenance' confirmation from previous owner.

Your planned basement project may very well give you added clues to your home's identification. Continue to look for the kit house identification clues discussed above on this page and in this article series.

On 2022-04-23 by Karen Marsh

Could this be a Sears Elsemore home? Built in 1930, and the grandson of the original owner/builder told us it was a Sears house.

This home is in Dansville, NY and was built in 1930. We believe it might be a Sears Elsemore model, as it has the exact same floor plan, including the "reception room" in the front entrance, which was apparently unique to that model. Dimensions are also the same, and when we purchased it in 2018 from the grandson of the original owner/builder, he told us is a Sears house.

So far we haven't found Sears identifying marks, but will be renovating the basement soon and will be able to look more closely. Most of the interior has been untouched other than the kitchen, which was remodeled by the previous owner (son of the builder) - the woodwork and detail is truly beautiful!

On 2022-04-20 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator

@Amy,

Take a look at the kit house identification clues discussed above on this page and in this article series.

You will see that a stencil marking on lumber or sheathing or even specific bits of hardware can identify the home even if its general layout and plan are similar to those produced by more than one manufacturer.

On 2022-04-20 by Amy

Hello, I know my friend's house was built from a kit but I'm trying to determine from which company the kit house was built by. It has always been used as a seasonal summer cottage and is uninsulated. I have included an image of it.

On 2022-04-08 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator - Cape Cod style Keystone house in Wilton, CT

@Gail Minthorn,

The Keystone name has come up before in searching for kit house history and plans, but searching is confounded by current companies using that name. You might try some of those to see if they have an older historical connection to Keystone kit homes, though we emphasize that these are a bit of a long-shot.

- Keystone house plans (modern prefab construction) from Nelson Homes - https://nelson-homes.com/home-plans/keystone/

- Keystone homes (50 y.o. modular home company) - https://www.homesbykeystone.com/

and of course

- Stacey Vairo et als, HISTORIC AND ARCHITECTURAL RESOURCES INVENTORY FOR THE TOWN OF WILTON, CONNECTICUT [PDF] (2018) Wilton Historical Society, http://wiltonhistorical.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/2018-Survey-Narrative.pdf also available at

I'm omitting the famous Wilton gingerbread house and Wilton gingerbread house kits sold by Sears as that's a food product not an actual house.

A 1952 kit home could have been a Sears Roebuck product, though that construction year is a decade past the Sears Modern kit home series. Look for additional clues besides lumber stamping, such as hardware, windows, etc. as we describe above on this page.

On 2022-04-08 by Gail Minthorn

In 1952, my grandfather put up a Cape Cod style kit house in Wilton, CT...Model # NM2137-4. I always thought it was a Sears kit house, but the work Keystone sits in my memory, as well. There are part number stenciled on the boards. I realize that there were 7 or so kit house companies at the time.

I do have the original receipt, but it does not list the name of the company. Wilton is thinking of designating houses from this era as worthy of preservation, so this is why I am trying to gather more information.

On 2022-03-07 by Adrian McCullough

@Inspectapedia Com Moderator, thank you kindly. this house in near Novato California in Marin County. I have been pouring over house plans and scouring the internet looking at catalogues and am coming up short. I did find some blue grease pencil numbers but they are hard to make out. I'll try to post something. Thank you again for the response

On 2022-03-06 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator

@Adrian McCullough,

That "Bungalow" stencil or stamping appears to be on the wall or roof cavity side of wood sheathing - and may indeed indicate that the home was built from a kit.

It would be worthwhile to gain visual access to the next rafter or stud bay to the left of that shown in your photo where you may see a kit number or manufacturer's name. Post a photo of what you find.

And give us the country and city of location of the home.

Additional keys for identifying kit homes are given on the page above. Please do take a look.

The best place to start would be see

GUIDE TO KIT HOUSES AND HOMES

inspectapedia.com/Design/Kit_Houses.php

There we list the manufacturers of kit or catalog homes sold in the United States and provide links to additional references, kit home identification, kit or catalog home restoration and repairs, and kit home architectural and hardware details, markings, and stencils.

If you can find other details such as finding specific stamps, lumber marks, or hardware in your particular house that confirm it as a particular company's kit home and also paging through the kit home catalogs we list to match that roof design and entry porch, for example.

These type of details in addition to what we've noted in our earlier response may help with identification.

On 2022-03-06 by Adrian McCullough

i found this stamped on the inside of sheathing n a basement of a home I suspect is a kit house. Possibly built in 1923. I would love an opinion. I havent found any other obvious stamps. I would love some insight!

it has a small enclosed front porch. Any ideas?

...

On 2022-02-01 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator

@Cathy,

The best place to start would be see

GUIDE TO KIT HOUSES AND HOMES

There we list the manufacturers of kit or catalog homes sold in the United States and provide links to additional references, kit home identification, kit or catalog home restoration and repairs, and kit home architectural and hardware details, markings, and stencils.

As you've indicated, you already have some helpful information from your home.

Other details can include finding specific stamps, lumber marks, or hardware in your particular house that confirm it as a particular company's kit home and also paging through the kit home catalogs we list to match that roof design and entry porch, for example.

On 2022-02-01 by Cathy

I purchased a home in Keokuk County, Iowa one year ago . My home was built in 1915 , an addition was built on in the 1980’s , but I believe the original home was from a kit. Can you tell me if I am right ? And which kit?

On 2022-01-26 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator

@Rossman6798,

Rather than trying to include all the information from the above article, the best procedure would be to go through the Sears Kit House identification steps and details given above on this page.

As you've indicated, you already have some helpful information from your home.

Other details can include finding specific stamps, lumber marks, or hardware in your particular house that confirm it as a Sears kit home and also paging through the Sears kit home catalogs we list to match that roof design and entry porch

On 2022-01-25 by Rossman6798

Wondering what model this Sears Craftsman is. Details on the first floor indicate original to 1925 as the deed says.

On 2022-01-23 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator

@Em H,

The best procedure would be to go through the Sears Kit House identification steps and details given above on this page.

That includes both finding specific stamps, lumber marks, or hardware in your particular house that confirm it as a Sears kit home and also paging through the Sears kit home catalogs we list to match that hipped gable roof design and entry porch.

On 2022-01-23 by Em H

Hello, I’m looking for help identifying my home. I believe it is a Sears crescent model, built in 1935. Located in NYS Adirondack region. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!!

On 2022-01-17 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator

@Dee,

Because kit homes made wide use of already-popular house styles you cannot be sure of a kit status from the photo alone.

You will want to look for additional key details such as those given above on this page.

The article gives lists of Sears kit home identification points or details and also lists of plan books and catalogs that one can leaf through. It helps to narrow that search through Sears home catalogs if you can find the year that your home was constructed.

On 2022-01-16 by Dee

I can't figure out what model this home is. 1924 Bowers Beach, Delaware.

On 2021-12-22 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator

@Jessica,

The article above gives both lists of Sears kit home identification points or details and also lists of plan books and catalogs that one can leaf through.

It helps to narrow that search through Sears home catalogs if you can find the year that your home was constructed.

On 2021-12-22 by Jessica

I would love to get more information about the Sears Roebuck Home I have recently purchased in Fresno, CA. Any ideas about the model of this home?

On 2021-09-09 by Sara

@inspectapedia.com.moderator,

Thank you so much!

On 2021-09-09 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator

@Sara, we'll look through our references to see what we can add to the Sears kit home notes above for those earlier models and will follow up here.

On 2021-09-09 by Sara

I'm trying to find the plans for a Sears house that we're buying, but it was built in 1906. It's a duplex with a floorplan similar to model number 154 (1908-1914 cataloge). Any idea where I might find plans from before 1908?

On 2021-08-18 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator

@George,

I'd like to be able to answer your question but as there were over 100 kit home models made over quite a few decades, with just your description I cannot.

Try looking through the Sears kit home ID tips and photos and catalogs given on this page above.

On 2021-08-17 by George

1 story, 2 br, chimney In middle. Model name?

On 2021-05-27 by danjoefriedman (mod)

@Carlyn,

In addition to trying the Sears Kit Home catalogs and identification resources we give here, you're welcome to post photos (one per comment - as many comments and thus photos as you need) of your home and to give what background you can about it (location, history etc) to see if other interested readers can offer suggestions.

On 2021-05-27 by Carlyn

Hello! We have a Sears Craftsman home that was built in 1910-1912 and would love to identify the style off home. I've searched many catalogs with no luck.

Any ideas out there??

On 2021-05-13 by Matthew Mackowiak

I believe we own one of the original sears homes. It was said to be in the original Chicago worlds fair. After which it was relocated to Aurora, IL.

2 Additions later and its still standing. One of sears original models. It has a sears name plate in basement. Used within a coal room door handle. Please call or text 815-603-7338. Thank you. Just inquiring about good history.

On 2021-03-29 by danjoefriedman (mod)

@Roseanne R., it certainly could have, but also certainly not in all Sears Kit homes.

On 2021-03-27 by Roseanne R.

would a S&R house have had bead board on all walls and ceilings?? Thanks. R.R.

Question: could this be a Sears Kit House

Wanted your thoughts as to could this be a kit house? Thanks - anonymous by private email 2021/11/06

Moderator note:

another photo of this house was posted on this page

KIT HOMES, Aladdin, Sears, Wards, Others

as follows:

On 2021-11-05 by Ben Edwards

We may have a kit house, pic from the 30's, abandoned for 35 years, have more pics if needed What do you think so far?

Moderator reply: use of traditional plaster on wood-lath in older Sears Kit homes vs Sears Goodwall plasterboard vs fiberboard vs asphalt-coated cardboard

The most complete answer to your question and advice on identifying kit hoes is found at KIT HOMES, Aladdin, Sears, Wards, Others

Please take a look there as that's more thorough than if I'm asked to make up that advice de-novo here.

You're welcome to post your photos - one per comment - on that page or on any of the recommended article pages you'll find at the end of that page.

In 1915 Sears kit homes included fiberboard panels used for ceilings and walls. Fiberboard could be used as a plaster base or painted, or simply left in its tan-brown color. The following excerpt is from Rosemary Thornton's book cited on this page:

In 1915, Sears offered “Wood Fiber Wall Board,” an early sheetrock-type alternative to lath and plaster. The sheets were made of pressed wood pulp and cost 46 cents per sheet. Sears recommended that wood molding be installed over the joints for superior results.

See FIBERBOARD CEILING & WALL COVERINGS

They also sold an economy grade wallboard made of cardboard and asphalt, which sold for 42 cents per sheet.

Their best wall product was “Goodwall Sheet Plaster,” which was plaster encased in layers of heavy cardboard. Sears promised that this “sheet plaster” was superior to lath and plaster for many reasons, including its fire resistant qualities. - Thornton, op. cit.

Rock lath plaster systems like the Goodwall sheet plaster product are detailed

at GYPSUM BOARD ROCK LATH SYSTEMS

Starting in 1916 [?], Sears began offering Goodwall sheet plaster as a replacement for the more labor-intensive wood lath plaster systems used in older homes. Sears Goodwall was touted as more fire-resistant than alternative plant-based fiberboard sheathing products.

For readers whose Sears Kit home used Sears Goodwall plasterboard as a plaster base (in stead of wood or wire lath) you might be able to find a "Goodwall Sheet Plaster" stamped on the wall-cavity side of the rock lath and you might notice that the rock-lath sections were usually 4' x 4' - unlike modern drywall and fiberboard products that were and are more-often 4' x 8' or longer.

But we can't rule out traditional plaster lath.

A Sears catalog home fan website, searshomes.org discusses the plaster systems used in older homes, including Sears kit homes.

I'll be interested if you find any indication of just how widely plaster-lath construction was used in kit homes; our rock-lath article cited above gives some history, though not specific to kit homes; we need authoritative sources on the extent to which rock-lath or sheet-plaster systems were in wide use in North America before the 1940s.

...

Reader follow-up: confirming plaster lath in older Sears kit homes

If you look at an old Sears catalog, you’ll find that while kit houses did not include plaster (due to shipping weight), your 12,000-piece kit house did come with good quality lath.

In fact, the “Chelsea” (a 2,000-square-foot foursquare) came with 840 square yards of wooden lath. - source: https://searshomes.org/index.php/2014/02/14/its-a-mystery/

...

Sears estimated that a plasterer would charge you $200, which included nailing up all those thin strips of lath and applying three coats of plaster (1916).

Moderator reply:

I appreciate the additional detail on lath that I had forgotten.

Do look carefully for a stencil marks and do look at some of the hardware details that we give in the articles that I recommended to you. Some of the earliest kit houses had few markings or stencils but you still may be able to recognize common Hardware.

On 2021-02-17 - by (mod) -

also see our Aladdin kit homes and catalogs found at

ALADDIN KIT HOUSES https://inspectapedia.com/Design/Aladdin_Kit_Houses.php

and this 1941 ALADDIN KIT HOME CATALOG (see for example the Brentwood, Brewser, Bristol, and Norfolk model Aladdin homes)

https://inspectapedia.com/Design/Aladdin-Kit-Homes-Catalog-1941.pdf

On 2021-02-17 - by (mod) -

Added to our resources on Sears Kit homes is a now-available archive from Sears itself: http://www.searsarchives.com/homes/byimage.htm

Excerpting from this new website:
Sears Archives Home Page

Once again, Sears has made history. For the first time, Sears has opened the doors to its vast archival collection and invited the public to peek inside. More than 100 years of history now available online.

Sears has a rich, long history to tell dating back to 1886 when Richard Sears sold the first batch of watches. The milestones, introductions and stories fill volumes. However, we've boiled Sears history down to a short narrative and event timeline for you: Sears narrative history tells the story of the founding of Sears and the Sears chronology is an up-to-date primer of Sears milestones and events. Both sections span from 1886 to today.

Also see this Sears Milford Kit home from the same 1933-1940 period: (Model No. 3385); ($1,359 to $1,671)

[Click to enlarge any image]

On 2021-02-17 - by (mod) -

Eric: I've looked through the Sears kit house archives (that I do not think are actually complete) and don't see that exact cape cod design with the center chimney and with that lower roof level and smaller window on the right. The closest I found was in the list of Sears kit homes sold between 1933 and 1942, the Cape Cod (Sears Kit Home Model No. 13354A, 13354B); ($886 to $1,097) shown below.

You might want to try a copy of Rosemary Thornton's more-exhaustive book of photos of Sears Kit homes (cited and linked above in this article).

On 2021-02-17 by Eric Beechem (no email)

AUTHOR:Eric Beechem (no email)

COMMENT:Here's is a photo of the Sears ready-cut house that my grandfather build. Zillow says it was built in 1939 and the original square footage was 1,362 (before additions were made). Are you able to tell me the model name is of the kit?

 

On 2021-01-31 - by (mod) -

Michael

I'm doubtful we can confirm the Sears kit origin from a photo alone; as you note there were Sears kits for popular home designs built stick by stick as well as copycat kits; You'd want to find stamps on lumber, hardware details or other details given above on this page.

On 2021-01-31 by Michael Dekker

I once owned a home in Houston Tx, which according to records was built in 1906 (Although the date could be a few years off either way) I am having difficulty confirming if this was a Sear kit home or a copy cat mfgr.

On 2021-01-11 - by (mod) -

Yes Mary;

in the Kit House Identification article above we cite Thornton's books describing Sears kit homes, but you may want to step through the definitive list of key Sears Kit Home identification points given in the article above right here;

That's because, unfortunately, just finding a house in a catalog that looks like your home does not mean yours is a Sears kit.

Sears and all of the kit home manufacturers replicated popular house designs built before, during and after the kits themselves were available.

So look instead for those key ID points, hardware, stencil marks, etc.

On 2021-01-11 by Mary Stanley

Our home in Orofino, idaho was built about 1913. Are there old catalogs we can view to know whether this is a Sears Kit home?

On 2020-03-31 - by (mod) -

Thank you Rus, that's helpful detail. I know New Hamburg well, having spent a lifetime nearby in Poughkeepsie.

Please use the add image button to post a photo or two of the home - one per comment.

On 2020-03-31 by Rus

If the house at 35 Point St., New Hamburg, NY, was "shipped by Gordon Van Tine" It is more likely a Montgomery Ward "Wardway" structure, or perhaps one of the Van Tine company's own. Montgomery Ward sold Van Tine homes under their own name.

 

On 2020-02-26 - by (mod) - Robinson's Kit Homes ?

Robinson's Kit Homes are often cited along with Sears and Wards, we're still looking for details - I'll post what I can find under Robinson's in the article above - give me an hour or so and don't forget to refresh your browser or clear your browser cache to see the updated page.

On 2020-02-26 by Chris

I’m looking for information pertaining to Robinson’s Kits. Where was this manufacturer based out of? Do you know the city and state?

On 2019-11-20 by (mod) -

Thanks for the added info;

Homes built around 1910, even from kits, didn't always have the painted-on stenciled numbers on framing but you may still see chalked or penciled notes;

We look forward to seeing what you can find.

On 2019-11-20 by Anonymous

It's in Uvalde, Tx. All I know was before 1910. I will check more into it when I go home for Thanksgiving next week. Thanks for replying!

On 2019-11-20 - by (mod) -

Trey I haven't seen that exact style with the nice rounded wraparound porch but it's certainly possible that it was a Sears Kit home.

In what city is the home? What do you know about its year of construction.

Look in the attic and basement at the framing and post a photo or two of any stencil or pencil markings or notes on the framing members or on any visible sheathing.

On 2019-11-20 by Trey

When my parents bought this neighbor, we had an older neighbor that said her cousins grew up in the house and it was a Sears Home Kit. Do you recognize this style? I’ve done a lot of searching and can’t find similar styles. Thanks!

On 2019-07-01 - by (mod) - kit homes sold in Australia

Fiona

Thanks for the interesting question - I'm doing more research but the kit home information sources I've found for Australia, while they may mention Sears and Aladdin homes, do not in fact provide any evidence that such kits, manufactured in the U.S. ,were shipped and sold to Australia nor New Zealand.

Considering the greater shipping costs overseas (compared with cheap railroad shipping costs in North America) during the principal period of Sears Kit Home sales (1908-1940) it's more likely that any kit homes sold in Australia would have been put together in-country.

NONE of my opinion above are, of course, the last possible word.

If you can photograph construction details from inside the home such as any stampings or even hand-written numbers and codes on the home's frame, and also detailed photos of hardware such as window latches and door hardware would be helpful.
Post those photos (one per comment) and I'll be glad to look and reply further.

FYI we - who write and publish this article series - don't and never did sell kit homes.

We do not sell anything. No products, no services.

InspectAPedia.com provides building and environmental diagnostic and repair information.

In order to absolutely assure our readers that we write and report without bias we do not sell any products nor do we have any business or financial relationships that could create such conflicts of interest.

InspectAPedia is an independent publisher of building, environmental, and forensic inspection, diagnosis, and repair information for the public - we have no business nor financial connection with any manufacturer or service provider discussed at our website. We very much welcome critique, questions, or content suggestions for our web articles. Website content contributors, even if it's just a small correction, are cited, quoted, and linked-to from the appropriate additional web pages and articles - which benefits us both. Working together and exchanging information makes us better informed than any individual can be working alone.

On 2019-07-01 by Fiona Lillie

Did you supply kit homes to Australia in the early 1900's? We have purchased a small block of land and it has a very old wooden cottage on it. We have been told it is made from Oregon.

The outside is wood, the inside is wood panelling, the ceilings are wood panelling and the floor is wood. Are there any checks that can be done to confirm it is an American mail order kit home? and who the manufacturer was.

On 2019-01-30 by (mod) -

It's certainly the case that kit homes by Aladdin and probably Sears were sold in Oklahoma.

Searshomes .org has a page on kit houses in OK and there's a report of a much-modified Aladdin "Villa" model in Bartlesville OK

On 2019-01-30 y Teresa Smith

Were there any Sears kit homes in Bartlesville Ok? There is one home that I always drive by and it makes me think that it may be one.

On 2019-01-30 - by (mod) - Sears Kit homes in Poughkeepsie

Thanks for the comment and interest Toni, I'll be glad to assist your commission however I can.

I too take care not to assert that some of the Pougheepsie homes that look like Sears or other Kit homes were definitely actual kits except when I could directly verify that status.

That means knocking on doors and getting the owners' permission and interest - which I did on occasion.

The difficulty is that the kit home people, of whom there were quite a few as you'll see in this article series, were no fools. They copied what were already very popular home designs when making kits.

So I look for clues like the ones we discuss: stencil marks, hardware, actual documentation. To do that we have to get permission to enter and crawl through the specific homes. An exterior photo is not enough.

I have not specifically researched foundation options vis-a-vis kit homes, but in my OPINION it would make perfect sense that a local builder of a kit home might have chosen to use fieldstone or even local concrete block or dry-laid rubblestone as a foundation, since using local materials for what is very heavy and thus more expensive to ship would make sense and would have cut the kit home cost.

I'm unsure of this part of your question "can you direct me to Pok architecture you have identified?"

Some of these homes were ones I examined in details, others just photographed from the street, between 1986 and around 2010. Unfortunately I didn't label all photos with the "Poughkeepsie" detail; we'd need to re-visit that adventure.

Aside: one of the oldest Poughkeepsie homes I did repair work on was built in the 1700s and was not a kit home: it was down on Union St. - My truck was in the shop, I was darting in and out of the home to get tools out of the trunk of my car; the owner who'd asked me to repair a sink had just left on a trip; Neighbors thought I was robbing the home and called the police who caught me red-handed with faucet parts in my one hand and a wrench in the other.

On 2019-01-30 by Toni

Greetings, I serve on the City of Poughkeepsie Historic Districts & Landmarks Preservation Commission and loved coming across your article! You mentioned Worrall Avenue but Pok has an abundant supply of what appear to be kit homes.

The question is which catalogs and how to identify them just from the exterior. Did you ever find any more in Pok? We have a Facebook page and I would love to feature some of your findings If possible, can you direct me to Pok architecture you have identified?

I couldn't show the ones on Worrall as "not" being identified, if you know what I mean.

Have you ever researched those with heavy rubble/stone foundations and chimneys? We have some beautiful houses in that style but again, tough to identify. Thanks so much for showcasing Pok!

On 2019-01-30 by (mod) - Sears and other Kit homes in Poughkeepsie NY?

Thanks for the comment and interest Toni, I'll be glad to assist your commission however I can.

I too take care not to assert that some of the Pougheepsie homes that look like Sears or other Kit homes were definitely actual kits except when I could directly verify that status.

That means knocking on doors and getting the owners' permission and interest - which I did on occasion.

The difficulty is that the kit home people, of whom there were quite a few as you'll see in this article series, were no fools. They copied what were already very popular home designs when making kits.

So I look for clues like the ones we discuss: stencil marks, hardware, actual documentation. To do that we have to get permission to enter and crawl through the specific homes. An exterior photo is not enough.

I have not specifically researched foundation options vis-a-vis kit homes, but in my OPINION it would make perfect sense that a local builder of a kit home might have chosen to use fieldstone or even local concrete block or dry-laid rubblestone as a foundation, since using local materials for what is very heavy and thus more expensive to ship would make sense and would have cut the kit home cost.

I'm unsure of this part of your question "can you direct me to Pok architecture you have identified?"

Some of these homes were ones I examined in details, others just photographed from the street, between 1986 and around 2010. Unfortunately I didn't label all photos with the "Poughkeepsie" detail; we'd need to re-visit that adventure.

Aside: one of the oldest Poughkeepsie homes I did repair work on was built in the 1700s and was not a kit home: it was down on Union St.

My truck was in the shop, I was darting in and out of the home to get tools out of the trunk of my car; the owner who'd asked me to repair a sink had just left on a trip; Neighbors thought I was robbing the home and called the police who caught me red-handed with faucet parts in my one hand and a wrench in the other.

On 2019-01-30 by Toni

Greetings, I serve on the City of Poughkeepsie Historic Districts & Landmarks Preservation Commission and loved coming across your article! You mentioned Worrall Avenue but Pok has an abundant supply of what appear to be kit homes.

The question is which catalogs and how to identify them just from the exterior. Did you ever find any more in Pok? We have a Facebook page and I would love to feature some of your findings If possible, can you direct me to Pok architecture you have identified?

I couldn't show the ones on Worrall as "not" being identified, if you know what I mean.

Have you ever researched those with heavy rubble/stone foundations and chimneys? We have some beautiful houses in that style but again, tough to identify. Thanks so much for showcasing Pok!

On 2017-11-11 0 1 by (mod) -

Sure, Maria, just take a look through the identification points in the article SEARS KIT HOME IDENTIFICATION. That would be a great place to start

On 2017-11-11 by Maria

I recently bought a house in whiting Indiana and it resembles the Fullerton style home, which now I'm intrigued to find out if it's a sears home what I did find inside the window casing is the blue crayon numbers can someone tell me what are other clues are hidden

On 2016-01-09 by (mod) -

Also Adrian,

You are welcome to use the page bottom CONTACT link to send some photos of the house from outside as well as images of hardware or other details that may be useful.

On 2016-01-09 1 by (mod) -

Adrian more details are in the text above where you'll find a live link

Aladdin Kit Homes: Details are at ALADDIN KIT HOUSES

On 2016-01-09 by Adrian Lewis-McCloskey

I THINK I have an Aladdin Hartford. But all of the wood in the basement is painted over so I can't see if there is any grease pencil markings.

How can I REALLY tell without tearing the place apart?

On 2015-10-08 13 by Melanie

I recently purchased a Sears Kit House and am trying to find a contractor in NJ or PA/NY area to restore it properly and with integrity.

Where could I start searching for such a person? It means a great deal to keep it as original as possible.

Thank you.

On 2015-09-19 by Joe carroll

I am rehabbing a sears home ( Willard model) looking for interior doors that came with house. House is in montrose ny

On 2015-08-10 by (mod) - Belden Brick Company

Good question, Nancy.

It's easy to find older homes listed in real estate sections whose description included Belden Brick.

"Emporium: Green Bay Wisconsin, " [real estate sales], The Old House Journal, May/June 1990 p. 82

But those were not Sears Kit Homes.

Belden Bricks has been in business (according to the company's website) since 1885 and produces a wide range of brick products including full size, oversized, thin and face bricks.

Certainly there were some Sears Kit homes that used brick construction but I've not seen a citation about the origin of the brick nor whether it was ever obtained locally rather than through sears.

You can contact Belden Bricks to ask that question directly from the source [Keep us posted]

The Belden Brick Company
PO Box 20910
Canton, Ohio 44701-0910
Phone: 330-451-2031

http://www.beldenbrick.com/

On 2015-08-09 by Nancy

Were Belden Bricks used in Sears & Roebuck homes and were any made in Louisville KY??? Nancyjane2021@yahoo.com

On 2015-05-20 by (mod) -

John you ask an important question for which I don't have an answer. I've not seen the Sears Kit House instruction detail for anchoring the sill plates to the foundation, and it's possible that the rigor with which that detail was enforced has varied widely across different building code jurisdictions.

For example in the Northeastern U.S. I've inspected homes built before 1960 that relied on gravity to keep the house on the foundation wall. Some of these were later retrofitted with sill bolts and anchors.

Sears provided a construction guide book or kit house instruction manual that by some sources I've read is 75 pages. If you need historically accurate detail we need to pick up a copy of that Sears Kit Home construction manual.

In a quick review of a construction manual for the Sears Honor Built kit home series I re-read the section on foundation walls and sill plates (they called it "wall plate") and did not see sill anchors mentioned in the text (it might be hidden there somewhere) nor did I see anchors in the illustrations.

We list examples of these omissions as inspection defects that should be noted at

STRUCTURE, FLOOR DEFECTS LIST

On 2015-05-20 by John M. Lorenzo

Are sears kit homes set up so that when set on a permanent concrete foundation they are anchored to the foundation and what is the methods for that positive connection? Is it standard anchor bolts?

Question:

(Feb 8, 2014) Anonymous said:

I am finding "2" I BELIEVE,MAY BE WRONG, small structures added on to each other under these HORRIBLE mismatched additions put on through the years.

Pride in History/Heritage DOES NOT seem to take priority to some

I wish Connecticut Reserve Would have never left. I see how their districts/areas/historical areas are and I know WE WOULD HAVE SOME IF THEY WOULD HAVE REMAINED. There is no history, township deed says 1922-County says 1920. There is NO sign of the ornate woodwork that era had. I also have 2 sections in kitchen both different woodwork. Also long thin apartment size- I do not believe that they had such small kitchens did they.

Much more to tell, but talked too much. Would like to restore original and blend in the => as my Father would say, "The Shoemaker Part". If you can help, I would so appreciate it. I have been on this for approx. 12-15 yrs. I live in what was the Connecticut Line Reserve on Lake Erie.

Also found Yellow fire bricks from 1800s in the ground/have very old mortar in the ground and 3 wells on my ONLY ONE acre AND my son found 5 arrow heads stacked,somewhat embedded on each other in the woods behind us. OKAY!! PROMISE! I'm done, PROMISE! Just so tired of living in construction. WAS IT A SHED AT ONE TIME?

Reply:

Anon: I am sure you'll agree that concern for remuddling that may have occurred after original construction is not a condemnation of the original kit homes; often owners are more enthusiastic about historic homes much later - when what was normal (like real wood) becomes special.

Question: Brownstone Sears Kit Home

(Apr 10, 2015) Brenda Adams said:

We live in a concrete block (brownstone) sears kit home. My husband said it was built in 1915. I can't seem to find them referenced anywhere. He said the rail road brought them in. We live in Corning NY. There are several in our area. Two story, full front porch,and dormers.

Reply:

(Apr 10, 2015) (mod) said:

Brenda it's certainly possible; we've found quite a few Sears kit homes in the Hudson Valley. Use the email found at our CONTACT link at page top or bottom to send along photos if you like and we'll research a bit too.

Often sharp photos of the home exterior (particularly the front elevation) and photos of interior trim, door and cabinet hardware & hinges, and stampings or markings on framing lumber can help make a positive identification of the original source of a kit home.

Question: 1912 Block construction Sears Home

(Apr 15, 2015) Cliff paulk said:
I own seaers home built in 1912 block const. Tile roof 6 bedroom dining room formal eating room kitchen and washroom detached from house no plumbing 12 volt delco lights matching const delco house and smoke house

Reply:

Cliff

We and other readers would like to see photos of the home from outside front, sides, as well as details. Our email is at the page bottom CONTACT link.

...

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• HISTORIC HOMES
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• SEARS KIT HOME IDENTIFICATION

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